Profile On: Ryan Roberts!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Ryan Roberts, #18 360 Sprint
by Joanne Cram
Many sprint car drivers get their driving experience early, but at age 5, Ryan Roberts got his start earlier than most! Ryan’s family was into tractor pulling early in his life. His mom, Tammy and older brother, Robbie also tractor pulled- Tammy even won several pulls. By the time Ryan was a young teenager, he had won 5 regional championships in a row.
By 1998, Ryan was ready to move onto faster competition and he began racing mini sprints. He quickly learned the fast paced mini sprint scene and began to master the tracks. He raced mini sprints through 2005, where he racked up 3 track championships at Waverly, got 2nd in the national championship, and won numerous features. Ryan also set the fastest track record nationally on a 1/8-mile mini sprint track in Marion, Illinois at the Nationals.
Due in part to fellow competitor and brother in law, Billy Alley, Ryan decided to move up to the bigger sprint cars. The two raced mini sprints together for many years, and are both from Nebraska. Ryan credits Billy with a lot of his decision to take his racing to the next level. Billy and his crew still give Ryan a lot of advice that he is thankful for. Ryan appreciates the Alley’s being at the track, and having his weekends be a family event, since his parents are unable to attend many of the races due to their hectic schedule from the family-run business, Mid Nebraska Land Developers.
Ryan began his 360 career at Eagle Raceway in Eagle, Nebraska for the 2006 season. He grew up watching the Outlaws run there and knew one day he wanted to race sprint cars as well. Ryan’s first year was a fairly successful one, running 4th in points at Eagle.
After the decision was made to run Knoxville weekly, the Aurora, Nebraska native began his would-be weekend routine in 2007. The team packs up and heads out of Nebraska around 8 am on Saturday mornings, and is able to get to their home away from home in the North Campgrounds to relax for a few hours before the races. Then the Robert’s team races, heads back to the campgrounds to sleep, and heads back out Sunday morning bright and early, getting ready for another weekend of more racing at Knoxville! Ryan credits the decision to run Knoxville weekly with the great reputation Knoxville has in the sprint car racing community. He says it’s the best dirt track around, and there is a lot of respect to be won by racing here. Roberts also credits the track crew and staff with a well-run racing facility and a program that he is proud to race at weekly.
Ryan’s first season went fairly well, with a few missed races, he was happy that he finished in the top ten for points. Ryan is part owner of his family’s business and operates heavy machinery. He understands the dedication it takes to run a successful business, which will surely help his racing success. His biggest racing highlight so far is winning his first feature at Knoxville Raceway that first year.
Last season wasn’t as successful as Ryan had hoped for either. He was off to a great start in the early season, and then bad luck and mishaps happened. Ryan ended the season with a 10th place points finish.
Ryan hopes to put his Maxim- Eckley Sprint in top 10 finishes in the features this season and become a more consistent driver. He wants to win more races here as well. Eventually, Ryan would like to win a track championship at Knoxville, as well as move up to a 410. Every driver dreams of running with the Outlaws, but Ryan is a realist and knows that his priority is with his business, so maybe a compromise will be in his future of racing nearby Outlaw shows.
Ryan and his wife, Bobbi also own a salon in Aurora, named Salon 18, after the sprint car. The two met through Bobbi’s brother, Billy at the race track. The couple is expecting their first child around Christmas time! Ryan is so thankful to have Bobbi by his side with her support for his racing. She is a huge inspiration to him as well.
Sponsors for the #18 360 include Mid Nebraska Land Developers, Stephenson Truck Repair, Hoppy’s Heavy Hauling, J & B Powder Coating, Harris Decals, and Salon 18. Crew this season are Lance Unrue and Tyler Perry, both of Nebraska. Ryan is also very thankful for the support of his parents, Rob and Tammy, and mother and father in law, Susette and Stewart Alley. In his spare time (winter mostly!), Ryan enjoys remodeling and carpentry projects.
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